Human beings, both ancient and modern, seem to have a
natural urge to explain the origin of things. This course uses an
interdisciplinary approach to explore the origins of civilization in the
ancient near East as viewed through (and explained by) ancient mythology,
foundation legends, and modern archaeological research.As a Freshman Seminar, this course stresses
development of basic skills for the college setting such as critical thinking,
critical reading, information literacy, oral and written communication,
teamwork, leadership and initiative.

A critical examination of biblical literature within
its historical setting and in the light of archaeological findings to show the
faith and religious life of the Hebrew-Jewish community in the Biblical period,
and an introduction to the history of interpretation with an emphasis on
contemporary Old Testament criticism and theology.

An examination of the rise, growth, and expansion of
Judaism and Islam with special attention given to the theological contents of
the literatures of these religions as far as they are normative in matters of
faith, practice, and organization.Also,
a review of their contributions to the spiritual heritage of humankind.

An introduction to basic archaeological method in the
Near East with reference to major representative excavations in Israel, along
with artifacts and material culture recovered from various historical periods
(primarily Bronze Age and Iron Age), including study of the role of archaeology
in reconstructing the world in which biblical literature originated, and
archaeological results that clarify the biblical text.

A study of the history and culture of ancient
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, and Syria-Palestine from the rise of Sumerian
culture to Alexander the Great.Careful
attention will be given to the critical use of primary documents (ancient inscriptions)
along with archaeology in reconstructing ancient history and culture, as well
as to the cultural legacy of the ancient Near East - including ancient Near
Eastern religious views as they interacted with the culture and faith of
biblical tradition.

a variety of biblical texts and themes relevant to the
roles and character of women in the Old Testament, including selections from
Genesis, Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, Proverbs (esp. ch.
31), and the songs of Deborah and Miriam.Excerpts from the prophecies of Hosea and Ezekiel will also be
considered. This is intended to be an upper-level seminar, which is offered as
"Writing
Intensive" and thus will incorporate a variety of written
assignments and attention to the writing process.Alternate years.

Genesis is a story of beginnings in the Bible, setting
both a universal context and a relational context centered around
Gods covenants with his creation and humanity as a while, and with the
particular family of Abraham.

This course explores the various traditions conveyed
in the biblical book of Genesis within their appropriate historical, political,
cultural, literary, and theological contexts.Students utilize various scholarly approaches and methods to better
understand the larger biblical message.This is an upper-level seminar offered as writing intensive, and thus
incorporates a variety of written assignments and attention to the writing
process.

King David is a central figure in biblical history and
literature, presenting a complex story of heroism,pathos and tragedy.This course will explore the character of David in proper literary,
historical, political and theological context utilizing various scholarly
approaches and methodologies, to enlighten our understanding of the larger
biblical message.Using primarily the
books of 1-2 Samuel, with parts of Judges and 1Kings (in the "Deuteronomistic History"), we will look at the
development of David's character from various viewpoints in terms of the
"charismatic leadership ideal," in contrast with Saul, Absalom and
Solomon, and in the context of biblical debates over kingship and temple.Historical background and ancient Near
Eastern context will also be important.This is intended to be an upper-level seminar, which will be offered as
writing intensive and thus will incorporate a variety of written assignments
and attention to the writing process.

An in-depth study of the character of Moses in the
context of the Torah, particularly focusing on the book of Exodus along with
other related biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts, employing a variety of
academic methodologies.Exodus is an
extremely rich book, including a wide variety of genres and themes which are
pivotal for the national identity of Israel.Starting with the book of Exodus, we can come to a much deeper
understanding of the Old Testament as a whole.This is intended to be an upper-level seminar, which will be offered as
writing intensive and thus will incorporate a variety of written assignments
and attention to the writing process.

An in-depth study of the book of Exodus along with
other related biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts, employing a variety of
academic methodologies.Exodus is an
extremely rich book, includinga wide variety of
genres and themes which are pivotal for the national identity of Israel.Starting with the book of Exodus, we can come
to a much deeper understanding of the Old Testament asa
whole.This is intended to be an
upper-level seminar, which will be offered as writing intensive and thus will
incorporate a variety of written assignments and attention to the writing
process.

An in-depth study of Israelite Kingship Ideologies in
the Old Testament, along the theme of the "Anti-Power Struggle in
Israelite Kingship Ideals."Using
primarily the books of Judges, 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings (in the "Deuteronomistic History"), we will explore Israelite
kingship ideologies in their ancient Near Eastern context, including
pro-monarchic and anti-monarchic biases within the texts, and especially the
charismatic leadership ideal as exemplified by King David and contradictedby Solomon.This is
intended to be an upper-level seminar, which will be offered as writing
intensive and thus will incorporate a variety of written assignments and
attention to the writing process.

A critical reading of the Hebrew text of selected
narrative portions of the Old Testament with special attention being given to
exegetical questions. Texts vary in conjunction with current REL 337W seminar:
Exodus in 2009, Samuel in 2011, Genesis in 2013.Alternate years.Prerequisite:HEBR 102 or equivalent.

A critical reading of the Hebrew text of selected
portions of Old Testament prophecy and wisdom literature with special attention
being given to exegetical questions and poetic texts.The texts read vary from year to year.

This year, in conjunction with the REL333 seminar, we
will focus on the songs of Miriam and Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Hosea, Song of
Songs, Proverbs 31, and other texts relating to Women in the Old Testament.